First Languages is a Yarn Raise collection in support of the Australian Literacy & Numeracy Foundation (ALNF) and their programs that contribute to the revival, maintenance and revitalisation of Indigenous First Languages.
Inspired by ALNF’s Literacy is Freedom slogan, we asked some of our collaborating artists to tell us in their language what literacy means to them. Each item features their design, the language group and a translation to English. Putting these words out into the world is a way to honour and respect the First Languages of our country, and to honour and respect the power of literacy in all languages.
Chosen by Merindah-Gunya (Bayley Mifsud), Manaka-nyoong means 'Hope' in the Peek Whurrong Language.
“I felt that ‘hope’ was the right word to use because for my mob and my Elders it wasn’t legal to speak language up until not that long ago. So for me it's a privilege that we’re able to speak the language as a human right. ‘Hope’ is an optimistic word that shows the progression of how we’ve evolved with Indigenous and non-Indigenous communities.”
For each product sold from the First Languages collection, Yarn will donate $2 to ALNF to support their work with First Languages and literacy.
Product: Canvas Carry Bag
Colour: Black
Materials: 100% Cotton
Washing: Cold machine wash with similar colours
Dimensions: L x W: 41.5cm x 37cm
Artwork: Manaka-nyoong 'Hope'
Artist: Merindah-Gunya
